Thursday, May 10, 2012

When we last spoke, you said that Mariana Bichette’s
experiences on draft day hit close to home for you.Could you please tell us what you & your
family were feeling throughout this process? Also, what was the family’s (especially
Tyler’s) reaction upon finding out he was selected by the Yankees?

Kim Austin:

The emotions Mariana expressed in her interview about the anticipation,
anxiety and apprehension that she hoped her sons heart wasn't broken were
all the same emotions we experienced. We knew that Tyler was not going
the first round, so we were able to sit back that evening and see who
went where in the first round. Day two, different story. We were told
to expect anywhere from 2nd through 10th round. Like Mariana, I too
kept a detailed calender of visits, letters, emails, workouts and tests,
however, there were a few other teams who conducted more detailed
evals (evaluations), so we had some idea of where the interest was from.

Rounds 2 through 10 came and went, my heart sank, and I was filled with
such anxiety, I was physically sick. Tyler eventually left the house.
It was just too much to see your child disappointed. Finally during the
13th round the calls began from the teams we knew were deeply vested.
”If we draft you next round are you going to sign?” Of course the
answer was yes. Finally, last pick of the 13th round we heard the
Yankees announce his name! I called him and told him he was a Yankee.
We laughed, screamed and finally came the tears. Tears of relief, tears
of joy.

Trevor Wolff:

Tyler went in the 13th round, why did he fall so
far in the draft?He has been dominant
from the very beginning.Did teams feel
that they couldn’t sign him?

Kim Austin:

A lot of people don't know that Tyler battled cancer during the draft
process. We placed our son in the hands of God, and he persevered. He
had been given a second chance, and he was signable. There was not even
the chance of draft and follow for him. He was ready to chase his
dream.
The teams who were interested knew this and it gave them room to draft
others who may not have been signable otherwise. But what it boils down
to is you may have some ideas of teams and rounds, but nothing is
etched in stone. Each organization has decision makers and you just
never know until the names are called.

Trevor Wolff:

The state of Georgia always seems to produce a strong
high school draft class every year.Tyler was the 13th Georgian high school player selected.He has significantly outperformed every
single player before him, including 8th overall pick Delino
Deshields Jr out of Woodward Academy.Would you say he plays with a chip on his shoulder, as if thinking “I
deserved to be picked higher so I will prove it”?

Kim Austin:

Tyler doesn't play that way. He plays for the love of the game. He
just goes out there and does what he does best every single night. He
has always played with his heart as well as ability, he just plays 110%
just like he has since he was 4. Unfortunately draft day can be a crap
shoot, nothing is official until your name is called, doesn't matter what
round you go in as long as you get there. And what a blessing and
honor it is.

Trevor Wolff:

Did Tyler plan on beginning his baseball career or was he
going to school if the right situation didn’t present itself? By that I mean
the right team, the right money, etc…

Kim Austin:

After his battle with cancer we totally encouraged him to sign after
the draft. Chris and I knew as well as Tyler knew he had been given a
second chance. Do it. Chase the dream. With the MLB scholarship
program, it was just the right move for him, life can be too short. He
can always go back to college later on.

Trevor Wolff:

Lastly, what kind of advice would you give to the
families that are preparing for next month’s draft?

Kim Austin:

As far as advice is concerned, all I can say is HOLD ON! Draft day
is a roller-coaster ride. It is a very emotional several days. Remember
that nothing is written in stone, anything can happen. Weigh your
options, do your homework, make your decision as a family. Be honest
and up front about your decisions. Most of all, ENJOY it, its an
awesome ride. Best of luck to the young men and their families eligible
for the 2012 MLB draft.

When we last spoke, you said that Mariana Bichette’s
experiences on draft day hit close to home for you.Could you please tell us what you & your
family were feeling throughout this process? Also, what was the family’s (especially
Tyler’s) reaction upon finding out he was selected by the Yankees?

Kim Austin:

The emotions Mariana expressed in her interview about the anticipation,
anxiety and apprehension that she hoped her sons heart wasn't broken were
all the same emotions we experienced. We knew that Tyler was not going
the first round, so we were able to sit back that evening and see who
went where in the first round. Day two, different story. We were told
to expect anywhere from 2nd through 10th round. Like Mariana, I too
kept a detailed calender of visits, letters, emails, workouts and tests,
however, there were a few other teams who conducted more detailed
evals (evaluations), so we had some idea of where the interest was from.

Rounds 2 through 10 came and went, my heart sank, and I was filled with
such anxiety, I was physically sick. Tyler eventually left the house.
It was just too much to see your child disappointed. Finally during the
13th round the calls began from the teams we knew were deeply vested.
”If we draft you next round are you going to sign?” Of course the
answer was yes. Finally, last pick of the 13th round we heard the
Yankees announce his name! I called him and told him he was a Yankee.
We laughed, screamed and finally came the tears. Tears of relief, tears
of joy.

Trevor Wolff:

Tyler went in the 13th round, why did he fall so
far in the draft?He has been dominant
from the very beginning.Did teams feel
that they couldn’t sign him?

Kim Austin:

A lot of people don't know that Tyler battled cancer during the draft
process. We placed our son in the hands of God, and he persevered. He
had been given a second chance, and he was signable. There was not even
the chance of draft and follow for him. He was ready to chase his
dream.
The teams who were interested knew this and it gave them room to draft
others who may not have been signable otherwise. But what it boils down
to is you may have some ideas of teams and rounds, but nothing is
etched in stone. Each organization has decision makers and you just
never know until the names are called.

Trevor Wolff:

The state of Georgia always seems to produce a strong
high school draft class every year.Tyler was the 13th Georgian high school player selected.He has significantly outperformed every
single player before him, including 8th overall pick Delino
Deshields Jr out of Woodward Academy.Would you say he plays with a chip on his shoulder, as if thinking “I
deserved to be picked higher so I will prove it”?

Kim Austin:

Tyler doesn't play that way. He plays for the love of the game. He
just goes out there and does what he does best every single night. He
has always played with his heart as well as ability, he just plays 110%
just like he has since he was 4. Unfortunately draft day can be a crap
shoot, nothing is official until your name is called, doesn't matter what
round you go in as long as you get there. And what a blessing and
honor it is.

Trevor Wolff:

Did Tyler plan on beginning his baseball career or was he
going to school if the right situation didn’t present itself? By that I mean
the right team, the right money, etc…

Kim Austin:

After his battle with cancer we totally encouraged him to sign after
the draft. Chris and I knew as well as Tyler knew he had been given a
second chance. Do it. Chase the dream. With the MLB scholarship
program, it was just the right move for him, life can be too short. He
can always go back to college later on.

Trevor Wolff:

Lastly, what kind of advice would you give to the
families that are preparing for next month’s draft?

Kim Austin:

As far as advice is concerned, all I can say is HOLD ON! Draft day
is a roller-coaster ride. It is a very emotional several days. Remember
that nothing is written in stone, anything can happen. Weigh your
options, do your homework, make your decision as a family. Be honest
and up front about your decisions. Most of all, ENJOY it, its an
awesome ride. Best of luck to the young men and their families eligible
for the 2012 MLB draft.